AU student’s spouse wins Joan Orr Published Nov. 17, 2015 By Senior Airman William Blankenship 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala -- Stephanie Ewers, spouse of Air War College student Lt. Col. Robert Ewers, recently received the 2015 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award. The Joan Orr award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air Force military members. "Receiving the award is overwhelming actually," she said in a ceremony to recognize her at Air War College. "I think I am doing what every other spouse is doing, taking care of family and getting involved, being a part of different community events, I don't think I am that special outside of what every other spouse is doing." Nominations were open to all Air Force units and organizations regardless of size. Each major command, combatant command, Foreword operating area? and -direct reporting unit may submit only one nomination. Ewers was shocked when she first heard the news of her being named the winner. "My husband said, 'well of course you did,' and I said, 'no that's not right.' I was surprised when I got the one for Global Strike and I thought it was just a great job," said Ewers. "I was just very surprised because I know how many spouses are out there, working probably harder than me, and doing so much in their day. I think it's humbling because I wonder, 'do I deserve it when there are so many spouses doing so much?' Apparently I do, but at the same time, it's a little overwhelming. I mean like the whole Air Force?" Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Coffelt, commander, Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education, and commandant, Air War College, said that Stephanie is the key to Lt. Col. Ewer's success as a commander. "You cannot believe the amount of time and effort this lady puts in for everyone else and keeps herself incredibly put together and taking care of her own family, it's just amazing," he said. "It is an unpaid position most of you may know, but I tell you these spouses like Stephanie fight so hard way above their weight class and make such a difference for our Air Force and they really contribute to national security in a way that can't even be put to words well. So on behalf of the entire Air War College we would like to congratulate you and thank you for what you do for Bob, AWC and our Air Force." A few days after being celebrated on the academic circle at Air University, Stephanie traveled to Washington D.C. to be given her award at the Air Force Association national convention. "The entire event was absolutely beautiful," she said. "I cannot express how privileged and honored I felt to be able to share the award ceremony portion with so many amazing people. It gave me that feeling that no matter how small my contribution was, that it was the genuine caring that actually does make the difference in the big picture. No matter how many times my plans or ideas failed, that the ones that did work were worth the effort."